Untouchable paragraph

In Anand's The Untouchable, the British imposed their way of life on the Indians through the form of presenting an extravagant, refined lifestyle for them to idolize. Upon entering the life of the Indians, the British promoted their culture as the right way to live on earth. The interaction between these two cultures is a significant display of racial formation in world history. British's caste system set in place has created racial projects within Indian culture that exist to this day. The constant negative portrayal of Indians by the British has an immediate effect on how the main character, Bakha, views the world around him. Throughout Untouchable, Bakha is torn between his admiration for the lavish British culture and his loyalty to the Indian culture he was born in. This on-going struggle is showcased throughout Anand's novel in Bakha's experiences and shortcomings. Moments such as the hockey stick gift given to Bahka from Mr. Singh represent the socialization of British life into his society through a break in the paradigm of the caste system. The norm within this society expressed that communication amongst seperate castes wasn't socially accepted. Bakha's conflict is a depiction of the effect on the younger generations within the colonial Indian way of life.



The constant negative portrayal of Indians by the British has an immediate effect on how the main character, Bakha, views the world around him. Throughout Untouchable, Bakha is torn between the socialization by the lavish British culture and his pride towards the Indian culture he was born in. Socialization is the lifelong process by which individuals develop their human potential, acquire an unique personality, and by which culture is passed from generation to generation. Due to the society around him, Bakha develops racial project concepts about his own race. He is considered an untouchable which guides him to the belief that his life isn't heading in the right direction. While internally embracing the stereotypes of these castes, Bakha assimilates to the ideology of the British. He adapts to British culture with hopes of sculpting his future in their image.